lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

LEWIS: Do you know the history of Veterans Day?

Written by archive on November 9, 2015. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

Today, we celebrate Veterans Day and honor those who served in the United States Armed Forces.

As you meet veterans today, thank them for their service and let them know they are honored and appreciated.

Here is a timeline of the federal holiday's origin:

●On the 11th hour of the 11th day of November, 1918, World War I ended with armistice, or an agreement, between the Allies and Germany.

●On Nov. 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that date as Armistice Day.

He said, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory; both because of the thing from which it has freed us, and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

●On June 4, 1926, the United States Congress requested that President Calvin Coolidge issue a proclamation making Nov. 11 a legal holiday, and observing it with appropriate ceremonies. This was approved May 13, 1938.

●In 1947, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks presented the idea of making Armistice Day a day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. Weeks became known as the “Father of Veterans Day.”

●In 1954, Congress replaced “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and Nov. 11 has been known as Veterans Day since.

Jean Lewis is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LEWIS: Do you know the history of Veterans Day?

Crestview chef takes _____ place in live statewide cooking contest

Written by archive on November 6, 2015. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

KISSIMMEE — The Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are pleased to announce the winners of the "Healthy, Fast, 'Fresh From Florida' Challenge."

Louis Robinson, Sherri Williams of Crestview and Rochelle Vincent of Oviedo competed live at the World Food Championship in Kissimmee and were awarded first, second and third place, respectively.

Robinson, of Lakewood Ranch, turned in a recipe Florida Fresh Agua Chile. Williams' recipe was Poached Chicken and Carambola Rice Bowl; and Vincent's recipe was Florida Citrus Shrimp Lettuce Wrap.

Each recipe had to be less than 500 calories; include at least three colors; low in sodium; contain at least two Fresh From Florida fruits or vegetables and one source of protein; and take no more than five minutes to cook. All submissions were also required to be original.

Dishes were judged on execution, appearance and taste by Chef Jermaine Allen of Chop-Cook-Eat personal chef service, Chef Macy MacNealy of Publix Aprons cooking school and Chef Jennifer Denlinger of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.

For more information on the World Food Championship, or to plan your visit to next year's event, visit https://worldfoodchampionships.com/. For more recipes, visit freshfromflorida.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview chef takes _____ place in live statewide cooking contest

VOICES of Mobile Christmas Tour concert planned in Crestview

Written by archive on November 6, 2015. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The VOICES of Mobile, a vocal ensemble of 18 auditioned students from The University of Mobile, will bring their Christmas Tour Concert to Crestview.

The event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Nov. 29 at First Baptist Church, 171 E. Hickory Ave., Crestview. Admission is free, but a love offering will be received.

The group just returned from an extended world tour, which included ministry opportunities in Cuba, China and the Philippines.

Additional ministry opportunities have included performances at the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church in New York, Southern Baptist Convention Pastor’s Conference, the White House, Carnegie Hall in NYC, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, Israel, the Cayman Islands, and a Coast to Coast tour traveling as far west as California and as north as the New York.

Call 682-2544 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: VOICES of Mobile Christmas Tour concert planned in Crestview

Downtown Crestview banjo player returns after 8-month absence (VIDEO)

Written by archive on November 6, 2015. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The sound of traditional banjo pluckin' resounds once again on Main Street.

"Banjo Bear" is back.

See video of Edenfield playing the banjo

Rick Edenfield, born at Eglin Air Force Base and raised in Baker, is well known to Main Street shoppers, diners, merchants and — especially — kids.

"I've been playin' country, gospel and bluegrass for 49 years," Edenfield said. "I do it for the kids."

But a collapsed lung that occurred while walking home from Main Street eight months ago kept him in and out of the hospital since spring.

"I died four times: Twice in my room and twice on the operating table," Edenfield said. "I guess they didn't want me up there yet," he said, looking up to heaven, "so I'll play music down here."

After an eight-month absence, the music has returned, and "I'm glad to be back," Edenfield said.

PLAYING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC

One purpose for chugging downtown on his motorized wheelchair almost daily is to drive off drug pushers, Edenfield said.

"The kids today are getting into things they shouldn't," he said. "People are pushing them to try things they ought not to be doing. Ain't no sense in that garbage.

"I thought I'd better get down here and run them out of town," he said, referring to drug pushers.

If Edenfield's young fans are patient, he'll teach them the banjo.

"I grew up playing music," he said. "I like teaching kids music so they have something to do with their life.

"Maybe that'll inspire them to keep up the family traditions. If somebody don't do it, it's all going to go away. I guess I'll have to keep doing it."

LIVING BY THE BIBLE

Edenfield, who said he teaches children to live by the Bible — "Everything I do, I do through the old man upstairs" — narrows his creed to four things his father taught him:

•Don't lie

•Don't steal

•Don't disrespect people

•Don't judge anybody

Now that he has a motorized wheelchair, Edenfield said he plans to be on Main Street every day he can.

And when he's there, he'll be pluckin' his banjo and teaching the basics to his young fans.

"The good Lord gave me the talent to play this ol' thing," he said, holding up his beloved banjo. "I figured if he gave it to me free, I'm not going to charge the kids to learn it."

And his music will continue to be heard on Main Street.

"I guess I'll keep doing it 'til they have to roll me in a hole," he said. "And I'll still be pluckin' when I go."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Downtown Crestview banjo player returns after 8-month absence (VIDEO)

Crestview pediatrician joins medical group

Written by archive on November 5, 2015. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Dr. Stephanie Gorman has joined Sacred Heart Medical Group Pediatrics in Crestview.

The office includes Dr. Joseph Peter, advanced registered nurse practitioner Lindsey Mann-Badyrka and board-certified pediatricians Dr. Jennifer Heegard and Dr. Lisa Currier.

Gorman graduated summa cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Tennessee and received her medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine.

She completed her pediatric residency at The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, where she served as chief resident.

Sacred Heart Medical Group Pediatrics at Crestview is accepting new patients — newborns through age 18 — at its 332 Medcrest Drive office.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview pediatrician joins medical group

Great Day gospel concert planned at Crestview church

Written by archive on November 5, 2015. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — A concert featuring a Mount Dora gospel group will be held in Crestview.

Great Day consists of Bill and Brenda Ferguson, and their children, Lisa Ann, Sara Lynn and Steven.

The concert is 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at Central Baptist Church, 951 Ferdon Blvd. S., Crestview.

A $10 donation at the door is requested, and a love offering will be received.

For more information, contact Libby White, 496-7106 or www.libbyandfriendsgospelconcerts.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Great Day gospel concert planned at Crestview church

Crestview couple, family members visit Ireland on Church of God trip

Written by archive on November 5, 2015. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Art and Sandra Dreaden of Crestview, and their son and daughter-in-law, Cody and Kimberly Dreaden of Ottumwa, Iowa, traveled to Ireland Sept. 25 through Oct. 6 for the annual fall Feast of Tabernacles.

The feast includes a series of meetings by the Church of God, a Worldwide Association.

Leaving the country? We love to share photos of residents outside the country.

Share your out-of-country vacation experiences with us!

Just email news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview couple, family members visit Ireland on Church of God trip

Volunteers wanted for 2016 Covenant Hospice Blue Jean Ball

Written by archive on November 5, 2015. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW— Covenant Hospice seeks volunteers to help plan the 10th Annual Blue Jean Ball, scheduled for October 2016.

Proceeds from the event, which includes dinner and dancing, help fund the nonprofit organization's bereavement and spiritual support services, children’s support programs and charity care.

The organization — which accepts patients with life-limiting illnesses, regardless of ability to pay — provided more than $1.7 million in care for uninsured or under-insured patients facing a terminal illness, according to a spokesperson.

Volunteers can call 682-3628 for more information.

The 9th Annual Blue Jean Ball, held Oct. 3 at the Crestview Community Center, raised more than $44,500 to support patients and families in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Some 200 Blue Jean Ball attendees enjoyed a "The Great Gatsby"-themed night of dinner, libations, swanky entertainment and casino games combined with a silent auction, diamond jewelry drawing and local celebrity dance competition.

Dancers raised more than $5,600 for the event, with the help of the Fred Astaire Dance Company of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Volunteers wanted for 2016 Covenant Hospice Blue Jean Ball

Crestview girl featured in blood drive campaign (VIDEO)

Written by archive on November 4, 2015. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

PENSACOLA — Two Thanksgivings ago, Katie Mitchell developed a cough.

After her parents, Jamie and Steven Mitchell, took her to several doctor visits and to the emergency room, blood and bone marrow tests confirmed she had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This type of cancer prevents Katie's bone marrow from generating lymphocytes, leaving her unable to fend off infections.

Katie spent a month in the hospital for treatment and received about 30 platelet and blood transfusions. Her ongoing treatment requires her to receive a spinal injection of chemotherapy and a monthly dose of platelets.

With blood and platelet donors, Katie can spend the holidays at home with her family.

"Katie’s family, including her brother, Ryan, and grandmother, Thea Duhaime, is grateful to everyone who has helped her fight this disease with their generous donations," a spokesperson said.

OneBlood is sharing Katie's story in a campaign to drive blood donations. Generally healthy people, age 16 or older, who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood, which often is transfused within three days.

The Crestview Donor Center is at2400 S. Ferdon Blvd. Suite B, Crestview. Call 306-2455 for hours.

For more on Katie's story, see the OneBlood video.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview girl featured in blood drive campaign (VIDEO)

Crestview no-kill shelter ensures every dog has its day

Written by archive on November 4, 2015. Posted in around-town, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Before a pooch like Lucy goes home, her potential adopted family must pass Panhandle Animal Lovers owner Hanne Berg's scrutiny.

Not everyone is suitable to be a pet owner — "you have some crazy people who don’t take care of their dog,” Berg said. “It’s kind of an uphill struggle.”

Lucy, a floppy-eared beagle with expressive eyes, had been raised by PALS’ foster mom, Mindy Dwyer. Thursday, the Rodriguez family, with their dog, Puppy, came to Crestview from Pace to meet Lucy.

And to gain Berg’s approval.

When Lucy met Mark and Laura Rodriguez, and their boys, Christian, Ayden and Gavin, and family pooch Puppy, there was immediate chemistry.

“We were counting down the seconds until we could meet Lucy,” Christian said.

“We’re looking for a buddy for Puppy,” Mark Rodriguez, a sailor at NAS Whiting Field, said. “He’s got a big yard to himself. We said, ‘You need a friend now.’”

But Lucy didn’t leave with Puppy and his family that day.

“We always tell people to go home and think about it,” Berg said. “I always want to see the children, and other dogs in the family. I’ve met some terrible kids I wouldn’t want to give any dog to.”

Berg and her late husband, Bob, started volunteering with the now-defunct North Okaloosa Animal Haven, or NOAH, in 2000 as a pet foster family for the former Main Street shelter.

She said she loves that PALS is a no-kill shelter. That means the nonprofit organization — which gets some of its animals from the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society — does not euthanize animals in its care.

“They are really such good people down there (at PAWS)," Berg said. "They call me when they have to get dogs out of there. They also call breed rescues, like the Great Dane or the boxer rescues.”

Being a shelter owner isn’t easy; you do it from the heart, not for profit, Berg said. In fact, if not for donations of money and pet food, PALS couldn’t exist, she said.

“People find out it’s not as easy as it looks,” Berg said.

Because people don’t understand, or don’t accept, the responsibilities that accompany pet ownership, places like PALS and PAWS are needed, Berg said.

As for Lucy, her story has a happy ending. Saturday, Dwyer took her to Pace to inspect the Rodriguez family’s home.

“It turned out to be a beautiful home with beautiful furniture and a beautiful pool,” Berg said. “Lucy went home. She’s in a good place. We’re just so happy when a dog gets into a good home.”

While each successful placement cheers Berg and her team of volunteers, there are always more pets like Lucy.

In fact, 20 dogs are waiting for loving homes at PALS.

Fortunately, they’re in good hands until their real family comes for them.

Dogs, after all, are like people, Berg said.

“They have a soul and they have a heart and they have a brain, and they cry like we do,” she said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview no-kill shelter ensures every dog has its day

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